First, veteran British actor Nigel Terry has died at the age of 69. You’ll know him from such films as The Lion in Winter, Caravaggio, and Excalibur (where he played King Arthur). You can read more here via The Guardian.

Also, actress Grace Lee Whitney has died. Whitney is most famous for playing Yeoman Janice Rand on Star Trek, both the original 60s TV series and also several of the feature films. She was 85. More here at The L.A. Times.

In release news today, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has set Justified: The Complete Final Season on Blu-ray and DVD release on 6/2, and they’ve finally revealed final cover artwork (see below). The show is really finishing off strong this season. Like HBO’s Deadwood before it (also starring Timothy Olyphant) I’m going to miss this series when it’s done.

Speaking of HBO, the network is releasing The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst on Blu-ray on 7/7.

HBO and Cinemax Studios are releasing Strike Back: Season Three on Blu-ray and DVD on 6/30.

IFC Independent Films is releasing Lovers and The Pact II on Blu-ray on 7/7.

Scream Factory has set Ghost Town for Blu-ray release on 7/28, and it’s now available for pre-order on Amazon. So too are Cellar Dweller/Catacombs, The Outing/The Godsend, and Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf, due on 7/14.

Paramount and Comedy Central are releasing Workaholics: Season Five on Blu-ray and DVD on 6/23.

Paramount has also set Hot Tub Time Machine 2 for Blu-ray and DVD release on 5/19.

We’ve got a quick follow-up for you on the U.S. street date for Arrow’s Blood and Black Lace Blu-ray, which has been set at 12/31. This might be due to a rights conflict with Kino Lorber, which has been releasing a large number of Mario Bava titles here in the States on Blu-ray. In any case, Arrow’s U.K. Blu-ray release of the title streets today.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing (late last week) of humorist Stan Freberg who, among his many other accomplishments, will always be remembered for his voice work on classic Disney and Warner Bros/Looney Tunes animated titles. You can read more here at The New York Times.

We’ll leave you today with a look at some more new and recent Blu-ray cover artwork, including a few of the titles we’ve mentioned above. Click on the covers to pre-order them on Amazon.com if available...

All right, sorry for the lack of a news post yesterday, but I’ve been wrapped up in Blu-ray review work. Some big titles are coming out over the next few weeks and a number of them are well worth diving into.

Speaking of which, though it took all day yesterday to go through everything, I’ve posted my in-depth review of Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar on Blu-ray from Paramount. The disc streets on 3/31. For those of you who experienced problems (in theaters) with the sound mix making lots of the dialogue unintelligible amid the sound effects and music, I can report that’s much less of a problem here. The mix is still pushed toward the low end, and there are still one or two lines where you have to listen more closely than normal, but this does seem to be a deliberate artistic choice. Still, I can attest that this is a much better audio experience than the one I had at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. And the extras are pretty terrific. Do check it out. [Read on here…]

Speaking of spaceflight films, we have word that Universal is releasing a new Apollo 13: 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray on 6/2 (SRP $19.98). All of the existing extras from the previous Blu-ray and 2-disc DVD edition will be included (including the theatrical trailer this time and except for the IMAX version of the film which, in my opinion, isn’t much of a loss). But you also get the brand new Apollo 13: Twenty Years Later featurette. We’re working to confirm that the film will be the new 4K remastered presentation (the one that’s set to debut at the TCM Festival in Hollywood later this month). We strongly suspect that it is.

By the way, Universal has also set Parks and Recreation: The Farewell Season and Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series for DVD release on 6/2.

The other big news is that Criterion has announced their June Blu-ray and DVD slate, and it’s terrific as always. The titles include the André Gregory and Wallace Shawn: 3 Films box set (Cat #TBA – Blu-ray and DVD – featuring My Dinner with André, Vanya on 42nd Street, and A Master Builder), plus single film editions of Jonathan Demme’s A Master Builder (Cat #762 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Louis Malle’s My Dinner with André (Cat #479 – Blu-ray, DVD and Hulu Plus) on 6/16, Bernhard Wicki’s The Bridge (Cat #763 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King (Cat #764 – Blu-ray and DVD) on 6/23, and Bob Rafelson’s Five Easy Pieces (Cat #546 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (Cat #761 – Blu-ray, DVD and Hulu Plus) on 6/30. You can find more details here, plus all of the cover artwork is available below.

Meanwhile, Anchor Bay Entertainment and RADiUS have set The Last Five Years for Blu-ray and DVD release on 5/5.

Warner Home Video has set Batman: The Second Season, Part 2 for DVD release on 7/14 (SRP $39.98). It includes another 30 episodes of the classic series, which is already available as a Complete Series set on Blu-ray and DVD.

PBS Distribution is releasing Ken Burns’ 3-part Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies documentary series on Blu-ray and DVD on 4/28.

And Shout! Factory and Timeless Media are releasing Gerry Anderson’s Joe 90: The Complete Series on DVD on 4/14. Extras will include commentaries with designer Mike Trim and director Ken Turner, and the Gerry Anderson: Lew Grade to the Rescue interview featurette.

In other news, FUNimation Entertainment has announced that they’ve got the North American distribution rights to Toei’s upcoming Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ animated film, so look for that to be released here on various formats later in 2015.

While we’re talking animation, we’ve learned that GKids (via Universal) will be releasing Studio Ghibli’s latest feature film, When Marnie Was There, on Blu-ray and DVD later this year. The film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi.

And here’s one our own Todd Doogan will be happy about: Sentai Filmworks is releasing the original Ninja Scroll animated film on Blu-ray on 5/19. The disc will include feature-length commentary with the director and animation director (in Japanese with English subs).

Speaking of reviews, Warner’s The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and Paramount’s Interstellar are both now in hand, so watch for my own reviews of them in the next few days. [Read on here…]

In announcement news today, Warner Home Video has set the release Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice on Blu-ray and DVD for 4/28. The disc will include “Special Trailers” for Los Paranoias, Shasta Fay, The Golden Fang, and Everything in This Dream. SRP is $35.99 for BD and $28.98 for DVD. You can see the cover artwork to the left and also below.

Anchor Bay Entertainment has set Paddington for Blu-ray and DVD release on 4/28 as well.

Lionsgate has set Cymbeline for Blu-ray and DVD release on 5/19.

Scream Factory has announced a whole bunch of new Blu-ray titles, including Scarecrows (1988) on 6/2, double features of The Outing(1987)/The Godsend (1980) and Cellar Dweller (1998)/Catacombs (1998) on 7/14, along with Ghost Town (1998) on 7/28. Jack’s Back (1988) and Nomads (1986) are also on the way, but street dates are still TBA.

Twilight Time has revealed the specs and cover artwork for their April Blu-ray slate (all due on 4/14), which will include April Love (1957 – isolated score track; audio commentary with actors Pat Boone and Shirley Jones and film historian Nick Redman; original theatrical trailer), The Fantasticks (2000 – isolated score track; audio commentary with director Michael Ritchie; audio commentary with actress Jean Louisa Kelly and Broadway authority Bruce Kimmel; audio commentary with journalist Chris Willman and film historian Nick Redman, original cut of the film in Standard Definition; original theatrical trailer), The Remains of the Day (1993 – isolated score track; audio commentary with director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant and actress Emma Thompson; The Remains of the Day: The Filmmakers’ Journey; Blind Loyalty, Hollow Honor: England’s Fatal Flaw; Love and Loyalty: The Making of The Remains of the Day; deleted scenes with optional director commentary; original theatrical trailer), Richard III (1995 – isolated score track; original theatrical trailer), The Story of Adèle H (1975 – isolated score track; audio commentary with film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman; original theatrical trailer), and Zardoz (1974 – isolated score track; audio commentary with director John Boorman; audio commentary with film historians Jeff Bond, Joe Fordham and Nick Redman; radio spots; original theatrical trailer). All are editions limited to 3,000 units. Pre-orders open next Wednesday, 3/25, at 1 PM PST on Screen Archives Entertainment and TCM Shop. I have to say, Twilight has really been doing terrific work of late. Feast your eyes on their amazing cover artwork for Zardoz and The Fantasticks...!

Also today, Olive Films has set It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958), Flawless (1999), Peter Benchley’s Creature (1998), and Extremities (1986) for Blu-ray release on 5/19, with Yellowbeard (1983), Ski School (1990), and Erik the Viking (1989) set to follow on 5/26.

RLJ and Image have set Adam Green’s Digging Up the Marrow for Blu-ray and DVD release on 3/24.

We’ll leave you today with more new cover artwork. As always, clicking on the covers will take you to the Amazon pre-order pages for each title, if available (and ordering through our links helps support The Bits!)...

All right, we’ve got a bunch of announcement news for you today, so let’s get right to it…

First up, the BIG catalog news is that HBO is releasing The Wire: The Complete Series on Blu-ray Disc on 6/2 (SRP $199.99). Extras on the 20-disc set will include 12 audio commentaries, 3 prequel videos, a gag reel, Q&A with series creator David Simon and the creative team, and multiple behind-the-scenes documentaries and featurettes. As many of you know, the show has been reformatted from 4x3 to 16x9 for its HD release, but this has been done in consultation with Simon himself, who views it as a “valid alternate version of the series” (you can read his in-depth thoughts about this here on his blog). [Read on here…]

In feature news, Universal has set Michael Mann’s Blackhat for Blu-ray and DVD release on 5/12. Extras will include 3 featurettes (Creating Reality, On Location Around the World, and The Cyber Threat).

Music Box Films is releasing Beloved Sisters on Blu-ray and DVD on 5/12.

MGM is reissuing The Terminator on Blu-ray on 5/5 (SRP $19.99). Presumably this is the same recently remastered version, just in new packaging (see below).

Anchor Bay and Starz are releasing The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, Kiss of the Dragon, Supercross on Blu-ray on 5/5.

Fox has Black or White set for Blu-ray release on 5/5 as well.

The Cohen Film Collection is releasing the Chuck Workman’s Magician: The Astonishing Life & Work of Orson Welles documentary on Blu-ray and DVD on 5/26.

Showtime has set Ray Donovan: The Complete Second Season for Blu-ray and DVD release on 5/26.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing Masters of Sex: Season Two on Blu-ray and DVD on 5/5. Extras will include deleted scenes, 3 featurettes, and a BD-exclusive roundtable discussion.

PBS Distribution is releasing Fortitude on Blu-ray and DVD on 4/21, followed by Wolf Hall on both formats on 4/28.

And Anchor Bay and The Weinstein Company have set James Gray’s The Immigrant for Blu-ray and DVD release on 4/7, starring Marion Cotillard.

In other release news, I know some of you are fans of Gerry Anderson’s The Thunderbirds. As you all know, The Complete Series is coming to Blu-ray on 6/9 from Shout! Factory. What you may not know, is that Fanderson U.K. (the official Gerry Anderson fan club) has released the complete Barry Gray score to the series as a 4-CD set containing more than 5 hours of restored music. You have to be a fan club member to buy the set, and it’s limited to just 1000 copies. Click here (or on the image below) for details. Thanks to Bits reader Robert H. for the heads-up.

A quick follow-up on our post about One Step Beyond from yesterday. As you know, Film Chest is releasing 70 of the original 96 episodes on DVD on 4/7. Many of you have asked about the remaining 26 episodes, so I passed along the question. It turns out that some of them aren’t public domain for one reason or another. In addition, source material for a few of them is only available in very poor quality and a couple of the episodes simply couldn’t be located (though Film Chest worked very hard to do so). So there you go.

“Cancer sucks. Everyone I know knows and loves someone who is either fighting or has fought this disease. Many of us have lost a loved one. It doesn’t look like the fight is going to end any time soon, so every bit counts.

Not every charity out there is on the up and up – and so that puts people on the defensive when it comes to donating; but let me tell you that both this organization and this particular kid are fighting the good fight. Evan’s father and I go a ways back. We worked together, played in an improv comedy troupe and I even got into a fight with his new brother-in-law at his wedding. Good times. Nonetheless, I have a soft spot in my heart for him and his family and I take great pride to knowing that Evan is a great kid who has donated his head to St. Baldrick’s every year since I can remember. St. Baldrick’s is a foundation dedicated to battling childhood cancer by raising funds through a network of dedicated volunteers – Evan being one of them.

I wish just hating cancer could cure it. Sadly it’s going to take money. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. - Doogan”

All right, we’ll leave you with a look at a bunch more new Blu-ray cover artwork for some of the titles listed above and more. As always, any time you order anything at all through our Amazon links, you’re helping to support our work here at The Bits and we really do appreciate it…

Now then, back on the subject of Amazon’s latest studio dispute, we’ve learned that the current situation involves not just Lionsgate, but Miramax and A&E too, which are distributed by Lionsgate. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon. Thanks to Bits reader Dennis L. for additional info.

In new announcement news for you this afternoon, RCA is slated to release the HBO series Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways on Blu-ray and DVD on 4/7 (SRP $29.98 and $19.98). Both versions will include more than 3 hours of bonus content, including 10 extended interviews and never-before-seen footage. If you haven’t seen it, the 8-episode documentary series was directed by Dave Grohl and follows the band through eight different cities around the country as they record one song (from their recent album of the same name) in each city. Stops include Chicago, Washington DC (technically Arlington), Nashville, Austin, Los Angeles (technically Joshua Tree), New Orleans, Seattle and NYC. What’s great about the series is that it’s actually much less a show about the band and their music, and more about the history of the music scene in each city. Among those who appear in the documentary along with the band are Tony Joe White, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Ian MacKaye from Minor Threat and Fugazi, Paul Stanley from Kiss, Joe Walsh from The Eagles, Mike D from the Beastie Boys, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville, Nora Guthrie, Willie Nelson, Nancy Wilson from Heart, Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick, Zac Brown, Gary Clark, Jr., the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Trombone Shorty, Chuck D from Public Enemy, LL Cool J, and legendary engineers and producers like Steve Albini and Rick Rubin. If you’re a music fan, it’s well worth your time. You can see the cover artwork below.

Meanwhile, Warner Home Video has just set the TNT’s The Last Ship: The Complete First Season for Blu-ray and DVD release on 6/9 (SRP $49.99 and $39.98).

Amazon is now taking pre-orders on the TBA Blu-ray and DVD release of Sony’s Justified: The Final Season.

And Shout! Factory has set The Last Unicorn: The Enchanted Edition for Blu-ray and DVD release on 6/9.

Finally today, we have a bit of sad news to report. Steve Tannehill has died. Many of you longtime Bits readers will no doubt remember Steve’s DVD Resource Page. Way back in 1996, back when The Digital Bits was still an e-mail newsletter, and before other early sites like DVD File, DVD Review, DVD Verdict and The Home Theater Forum appeared on the scene, the DVD Resource Page was the place to go for DVD news and information online. Through the early days of the introduction of DVD and the infamous DVD/Divx format wars, Steve Tannehill became a great friend and colleague of mine. Not only was he a fellow early commentator and expert on the format – it’s hard to believe, but there were only a few of us online back then – he was an avid home theater and movie enthusiast. He was also a fine human being. Steve apparently suffered multiple cardiac arrests on February 28th. He was placed on life support, but passed away on March 2nd. I have always – and will always – cherish his friendship. If any of you would like to leave a few words of your own in his memory, you can do so on his Facebook page here. I’m sure his family and friends will appreciate it.

All right, we’ll leave you today with a look at a little more new BD cover artwork...

First up, Warner Home Video has set Falling Skies: The Complete Fourth Season for Blu-ray and DVD release on 6/2.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced a Tak3n: Unrated Edition for Blu-ray and DVD release on 4/21, starring Liam Neeson and Dougray Scott. The BD will include both the theatrical cut and the unrated version.

Fox has also set The Pyramid for Blu-ray and DVD release on 5/5.

Speaking of Fox, here’s something awesome: Fox EVP of Home Entertainment James Finn has confirmed that the X-Men: Days of Future Past – Rogue Cut is coming to Blu-ray later this summer, though not in 3D because the extended material wasn’t finished in 3D. Special thanks to Bits reader Adam M. for the heads-up!

One last Fox note: It looks as if the Best Buy version of the Exodus: Gods and Kings – Deluxe Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo will have some kind of exclusive content. We’re not sure what, but Best Buy has a label on the listing on their website that says “Only @ Best Buy.”

Meanwhile, Shout! Factory has announced that they’re going to be releasing Gerry Anderson’s classic Thunderbirds: The Complete Series on Blu-ray and DVD on 6/9 (SRP $69.97 for the BD and $49.97 for the DVD). The set will include all 32 episodes, plus the Launching Thunderbirds documentary and a Vintage Thunderbirds Publicity Brochure (via BD-Rom and DVD-Rom).

HBO will release Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Series on Blu-ray and DVD on 5/19.

Lionsgate has announced Orange Is the New Black: Season Two for BD and DVD release on 5/19 as well.

Universal has set a pair of new BD catalog titles for release on 5/12, including Wet Hot American Summer and Orgazmo.

Universal has also set The Boy Next Door for BD release on 4/28.

And Universal and Focus Films will release Kevin MacDonald’s The Black Sea on Blu-ray and DVD on 5/5.

On the animation front, Section 23 will release Patlabor: The Movie on Blu-ray on 5/5.

Discotek Media has also finally set 4/28 as the U.S. release date for Hayao Miyazaki’s Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro – Collection’s Edition on Blu-ray (SRP $29.95). in addition, the company will release the Free! Iwatobi Swim Club: Season 1 Collection, the Samurai Troopers TV Series DVD Collection, and the Samurai Pizza Cats DVD Collection reissue that same day.

Also today, Kino Lorber has announced more great catalog titles for Blu-ray release in May, including The Secret Invasion on 5/5, The McKenzie Break, The Premature Burial, They Call Me Mister Tibbs!, The Organization, and X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes on 5/12, and Enter the Ninja, Revenge of the Ninja, Kings of the Sun, River of Death, Invitation to a Gunfighter, and The Escapees on 5/26.

We may have mentioned this before, but Olive Films has Firewalker, Bio-Dome, Blue Sky, Cooley High, and the Abbott and Costello film Dance with Me Henry coming to BD on 4/21, followed by Lord of the Flies, Teachers, Hollywood Shuffle, Little Man Tate, and Harry & Son on 4/28.

And last, but surely not least, our friends at Twilight Time have revealed terrific minimalist reverse cover artwork for their new BD releases of First Men in the Moon and Journey to the Center of the Earth. These titles and more are now available for pre-order on Screen Archives Entertainment. Take a look. Gorgeous!

In other news today, Ars Technica has posted an interesting story on a new hack, revealed by a security consultant at NCC Group, that allows Blu-ray Disc media to compromise the security of Windows PCs and most standalone Blu-ray players. The hack apparently takes advantage of BD-Java to run malicious executable files. Such exploits could then take advantage of the PC or player’s Internet connection for nefarious purposes. You can read more here.

“When I was a young boy, I learned that you could be different and still find your place. That in fact it’s the sum our differences – infinite diversity in infinite combinations – that makes us stronger together. I learned you should always try to do the right thing, even when no one else is looking and especially when it’s hard. I learned that to be a moral person is to respect other’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and to always consider them – to try and balance your positions with theirs rather than simply imposing your beliefs on them – to find a common ground that works for everyone. I learned that everyone deserves the freedom to find their own way, but you shouldn’t be selfish about it, because the needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few… or the one. I learned that fighting is always the last resort, not the first. I learned that science and knowledge are empowering, that the spirit of discovery is a fundamental part of what makes us human, and that engaging in the exploration of the unknown – peacefully, together, and for the benefit of all – is among the most noble pursuits that human beings can engage in. Surprisingly, I learned all of this before I ever set foot in a school, because I learned it from Star Trek, where Leonard Nimoy was one of my favorite teachers. And I know I wasn’t alone. That’s a helluva great legacy, if you ask me.”

Thank you, Leonard, and farewell.

We’ll leave you today with a look at a bunch of new Blu-ray cover artwork. Click on the links to pre-order on Amazon (if available)…

Back tomorrow. Stay tuned…

- Bill Hunt

]]>billhunt@thedigitalbits.com (Bill Hunt)My Two CentsWed, 04 Mar 2015 13:39:54 -0800Criterion’s May slate announced, plus FOUR more new Blu-ray reviews & we’ll be back on March 4thhttp://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/021815_0010
http://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/021815_0010

Before we get to those though, I’ve got a quick note: This is going to be my last post on The Bits for a couple weeks. There are a couple reasons for this. First, I need a break. For the last several months now I’ve been working myself ragged without much of a let up. One of the problems – good to have, but problems no less – of running your own business is that there’s no end to the amount of hours you can work. So, I am sorely in need of a good staycation to recharge the batteries. The other reason, though, is that my wife and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this year. Our actual anniversary is in the Fall, but we’re going to be busy then with other things, so we’ve decided to celebrate early this year. Anyway, I hope you all understand and I appreciate your patience. I’ll be back on March 4th to resume business as usual. Meanwhile, back to those reviews… [Read on here…]

We do have one bit of actual release news to report today, which is that Criterion has officially announced their May slate of Blu-ray releases, which are set to include: Leo McCarey’s Make Way for Tomorrow (Spine #505 – Blu-ray and DVD), Charlie Chaplin’s Limelight (Spine #756 – Blu-ray, DVD and Hulu Plus), and Mark Rydell’s The Rose (Spine #757 – Blu-ray and DVD) on 5/19, and Carlos-Gavras’ The Confession (Spine #759 – Blu-ray, DVD and Hulu Plus) and State of Siege (Spine #760 – Blu-ray and DVD), and Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s The Merchant of Four Seasons (Spine #758 – Blu-ray, DVD and Hulu Plus) on 5/26. You can visit the official website for all the details on extras.

Here’s a look at the Blu-ray cover artwork for these new Criterion titles (Amazon pre-orders are not available yet as of the time of this posting and will be added later)…

And that’s it for now. As I said, we’ll be back here at The Bits on March 4th to catch you all up on the latest Blu-ray and DVD release news. We’ll have more new disc reviews, and more new columns too. Thanks again for your patience and my very best to you all until then. Peace out!

The big news today is that 20th Century Fox has officially set Alejandro Iñárritu’s Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) for Blu-ray and DVD release on 2/17. The film is already available digitally. Extras on both disc versions will include Birdman: All-Access and a gallery of Chivo’s on-set photos. To this, the Blu-ray will add the A Conversation with Michael Keaton and Alejandro G. Iñárritu featurette. The running time for the feature is 119 minutes, with audio in English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English 5.1 Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and French 5.1 DTS (subtitles are English SDH, Spanish and French). You can see the cover artwork to the left and also below. [Read on here…]

In other news today, Scream Factory has unveiled the cover artwork for their forthcoming Mad Max: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, which is due to street on 5/5. The extras are still TBA, but will include an all-new exclusive interview with star Mel Gibson. Here’s the cover artwork (note that it’s not yet available for pre-order on Amazon)...

Meanwhile, Warner Home Video is releasing Longmire: The Complete Third Season on DVD only on 3/3 (SRP $39.98). Never fear though if you’d rather buy the Blu-ray version – Warner Archive is going to be releasing that on 3/3 as well (SRP $40.99).

Warner has also set Scooby-Doo! and Scrappy-Doo!: The Complete Season 1 for DVD only release on 4/28 (SRP $19.97). The set will include 16 episodes.

Also today, we’ve got an update for you on the June release of Judgment at Nuremberg and Inherit the Wind from Kino Lorber (which we mentioned yesterday on The Bits). Kino confirms they will be DVD only, as Twilight retains the BD rights. Adjust your plans accordingly.

And Paramount has set Chris Rock’s Top Five for Blu-ray and DVD release on 3/17, with the digital release due on 3/3. Extras on the Blu-ray will include audio commentary by Chris Rock and JB Smoove, deleted scenes, and 4 featurettes (It’s Never Just A Movie: Chris Rock and Top Five, The Making of Top Five, Top Five Andre Allen Standup Outtakes, and Top Five Moments You Didn’t See in the Film).

In announcement news today, Warner Home Video is getting ready to release Mortal Kombat: Conquest – The Complete Series on DVD only on 3/31. All 22 episodes will be included on 4 discs (SRP $39.98).

Better still is word that Warner is working to bring Sharky’s Machine to Blu-ray on 4/7.

Meanwhile, our friends at the Warner Archive collection have just released some great titles on MOD DVD, including Running on Empty (1988), The Black Scorpion, The Man with Two Brains, My Blue Heaven, Joe’s Apartment, Divine Madness: A National Treasure Chest, The Swarm, and The Narrow Margin (1952) among others! Note that The Man with Two Brains, Joe’s Apartment, The Black Scorpion, and My Blue Heaven are in widescreen here for the first time.

In other news, Lionsgate will release the horror film Jessabelle on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 1/13.

RLJ and Image Entertainment have set The Houses October Built for Blu-ray and DVD release on 1/6.

Inception Media Group has set Viktor, starring Gérard Depardieu and Elizabeth Hurley, for DVD release on 1/13.

And Film Movement’s new Omnibus Entertainment division will release Karen Gillan’s Not Another Happy Ending on DVD on 1/6.

Finally, PBS Distribution has set NOVA: Why Planes Vanish for DVD only release on 12/23.

Here’s a look at some more new and interesting cover artwork, with Amazon.com pre-order links...

All right, I may check back in later today with another review, and we should have at least a few more over the next couple days. CBS’ Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 7 is definitely on the list.

Speaking of Universal, the studio is releasing the classic Knight Rider TV series on Blu-ray in Japan this week (on 11/27 – see this link at Amazon.co.jp). It’s possible we might see it here in the States next year as well. I suppose it’s too much to ask for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century on BD next?

And Anchor Bay Entertainment and RADiUS have set Horns for Blu-ray and DVD release on 1/6, starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Also, it looks as if Disney may be getting ready to release Aladdin back in theaters next year in 3D (on 9/18), with plans for the Aladdin: Diamond Edition Blu-ray to include Blu-ray 3D on 10/6. This according to the Disney Wiki. We’ll see.

The big announcement news today is that Criterion has revealed their February 2015 slate of Blu-ray and DVD titles, and as always it’s a winner. On 2/3, look for Jean-Luc Godard’s Every Man for Himself (Cat #744 – Blu-ray and DVD). That’s followed on 2/10 by Jean Renoir’s gossamer A Day in the Country (Cat #746 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now (Cat #745 – Blu-ray and DVD). On 2/17, you’ll get Yasujiro Ozu’s An Autumn Afternoon upgraded to Blu-ray at last (Cat #446 – Blu-ray and DVD). Finally, the month finishes with a flourish in the form of Federico Fellini’s landmark Fellini Satyricon (Cat #747 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Martin Rosen’s animated classic Watership Down (Cat #748 – Blu-ray and DVD). That is a helluva great slate for one month. You can see the cover artwork below.

Universal has also made Laika’s The Boxtrolls official for release on Blu-ray 3D Combo, Blu-ray Combo, and DVD on 1/20 (with a digital release on 12/23). All versions will include audio commentary with directors Anthony Stacci and Graham Annable, The Dare to Be Square: Behind the Scenes of The Boxtrolls documentary (includes Voicing the Boxtrolls, Inside the Box, The Big Cheese: Allergy Snatcher, Deconstructing the Dance, and Think Big: The Mecha Drill), plus and 5 additional featurettes (The Nature of Creation, Trolls Right off the Tongue, Allergic to Easy, Let’s Dance, and On the Shoulders of Giants). Exclusive to the Blu-ray versions will be 6 scenes viewable in as Preliminary Animatic Sequences with optional commentary. Cover artwork isn’t available at the moment, but we’ll post it as soon as it is.

All right, here’s some of that Criterion cover artwork (they’re not up for pre-order yet on Amazon, but we’ll add the cover links as soon as they are), that temp art for Homeland: S4 and Big Hero 6, and a link to the on-sale Battlestar set too…

Back tomorrow with more. Stay tuned…!

- Bill Hunt

]]>billhunt@thedigitalbits.com (Bill Hunt)My Two CentsTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:37:58 -0800The End of an Era (plus classic Battlestar is finally coming to Blu-ray in the States)http://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/111114_1115
http://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/111114_1115

All right, we’ve got a great piece of release news for you today, but first… we face the end of an era…

I’m sad to say that our dear friend and family member, Dr. Adam Jahnke, the inventor of the peanut butter-based scratch proof coating himself, is officially retiring from The Bits. [Read on here…]

Jahnke joined up with us way back in 2000, when we were all still young and idealistic, and the Golden Age of Discs had only just begun. Over the years he’s written hundreds of film reviews and in-depth columns here, all of which will remain on The Bits indefinitely as a lasting record of his work and effort. It goes without saying that Jahnke is an insightful scholar of the cinema, a brilliant writer, and an extraordinary talent. But his real legacy here at The Bits is this: He’s become a lifelong friend, a comrade-in-arms, and yes… a brother.

Though we’re certainly going to miss him around here, this is far from the end of our association. Jahnke, Doogan and I have been working on a number side projects together these last few years, so you never know where our work together may crop up again. We’ll certainly let you know. Meanwhile...

Adam… we love you, we support you 100%, and we wish you success in all your future endeavors. We’re enormously proud of you, sir! Keep on keeping it level.

Now then… as Fate would have it, the world continues turning. So on that good piece of release news I mentioned a minute ago…

We’ve confirmed with Universal Studios Home Entertainment that they are going to be releasing the classic Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series on Blu-ray here in the States in the months ahead. Very likely this is going to be a Region A/English version of the same set that’s been available in German for months now (and which we reviewed here on The Bits). We’re told to expect an official announcement sometime before the end of the year, which would mean the street date is likely to be sometime early in 2015. Rest assured, we’ll keep you all up to date.

Just a heads-up: I’m working on several new Blu-ray reviews as well, including a look at the big Monty Python reunion on disc. I know that many of you have asked if we’re going to review Batman: The Classic Series on Blu-ray. The answer is maybe. If Warner sends it, we’ll review it ASAP. We just don’t know if they’re sending it yet or not. That’s kind of how it works these days. So stay tuned.

Now then… Disney has officially set the 101 Dalmatians: Diamond Edition for release on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on 2/10. In addition to “a selection of classic bonus features,” new special features for this release will include the all-new The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt animated short, the Walt Disney Presents The Best Doggoned Dog in the World (1961 version), Lucky Dogs, DisneyView, and Dalmatians 101: Hosted by Cameron Boyce (of Disney Channel’s The Descendants). You can see the cover artwork below and pre-orders ARE now open at Amazon (just click on the cover).

Also, Lionsgate has set Kevin Smith’s Tusk for Blu-ray and DVD release on 12/30. Extras will include deleted scenes, audio commentary with writer/director Kevin Smith, 2 featurettes (20 Years to Tusk and The Making of Tusk), and the SModcast #259: The Walrus and The Carpenter. If I’m not mistaken, I believe these extras were produced by our old friend Cliff Stephenson.

And Scream Factory has announced the Blu-ray and DVD release of Animal on 2/17, produced by Drew Barrymore and directed by Brett Simmons.

In other news today, Disney has somehow managed to get Apple and Google to reach a deal that will allow Disney movies to appear on Android devices via Google Play. More here on CNN Money and here at Variety.

We’d like to take a moment to give a hearty Bits “Huzzah!” to Jahnke for having completed his work on this year’s Fest! The final review of the season is in the can as they say, and it’s a goodun. So check back tomorrow for that. Well done, Adam! [Read on here…]

Now then... in announcement news today, Mill Creek has revealed plans to release Heartbreak Hotel and Emancipation Road on Blu-ray on 1/6/15. The latter title will also be released on DVD.

And here’s something: Warner Archive is releasing Thundercats: The Complete Series on Blu-ray Disc on 11/11. This is the 2011 reboot series, featuring all 26 episodes with Prince Lion-O and company (not the original).

I don’t think I’m alone in saying that it would be nice to see more CLASSIC animation released on Blu-ray. Personally, I’d pay serious money if Warner Archive could find a way to release the vintage Fleischer Studios Superman animated shorts on Blu-ray. The problem is that Warner Archive only really gets access to stuff that no other branch of Warner Home Video is interested in handling. But if Warner Home Video’s senior leadership has ANY BRAINS WHATSOEVER, they’d let the Archive folks get their hands on some real gems like the Fleischer Superman shorts, the classic Tex Avery shorts, and more.

Yeah... consider that The Bits throwing down the gauntlet for Warner Home Video. Attention Ron Sanders and Kevin Tsujihara! Do you guys have the cojones to step up to the plate or what? I think you do, so let’s make it happen.

We’ll leave you today with a look at the Blu-rat cover artwork for Thundercats and a couple other titles...

Back tomorrow with a new column from our own Bud Elder, the finale of the Hell Plaza Oktoberfest, and more! Stay tuned...

In announcement news, Shout! Factory and Timeless Media have revealed their planned release of the spaceflight cult classic Capricorn One on Blu-ray Disc on 1/13/15 (SRP $24.97). Extras will include the original theatrical trailer and a photo gallery.

Lionsgate has set Skeleton Twins for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 12/16. The film stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Extras are actually plentiful, and include 2 audio commentaries, 2 featurettes (To Whom It May Concern: Making The Skeleton Twins and Sweet Moves), deleted scenes, outtakes, and a gag reel.

Universal will release As Above, So Below on Blu-ray and DVD on 12/2.

Anchor Bay Entertainment has set The Giver for Blu-ray Combo and DVD release on 11/25, starring Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep among others. Extras will include 6 featurettes (Jeff Bridges Presents the Original Script Reading, Making The Giver: From Page to Screen, Ordinary Human, Author Lois Lowry on The Giver, Bonus: Study Guide, and Press Conference with Filmmakers & Cast).

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has set the Hungarian film The Notebook (aka Le Grand Cahier) for DVD and digital release on 12/2. The film was directed by János Szász.

Starz and Anchor Bay will release Kite on Blu-ray Combo and DVD on 12/2.

Fox has set Jingle All the Way 2 for Blu-ray Combo and DVD release on 12/2 as well, starring Larry the Cable Guy.

And Cinema Epoch has set Samurai Cop (1991) for release on Blu-ray on 11/25, remastered from the “newly discovered” 35mm negatives. Gotta say, I love the cover art. LOL. See below.

Finally today, here’s a little something for you fans of Stanley Kubrick. The British Film Institute and Warner Bros. have commissioned a new theatrical trailer for 2001: A Space Odyssey – the first such trailer in 40 years – to celebrate the BFI’s Sci-Fi: Days of Fears and Wonder exhibition season. It is… in a word… fantastic. Watch it here. Be sure to make it BIG and HD. You’re welcome. (Thanks to Bits reader Marshall C. for the link).

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All right, here’s a bunch more Blu-ray cover artwork for some of the titles we mentioned above…

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to like TheDigitalBits.com page on Facebook for great Blu-ray, DVD and film discussion with other readers and for live updates on your mobile device when new content is posted here!]

The big announcement news today is that 20th Century Fox has set Dawn of the Planet of the Apes for Blu-ray 3D Combo, Blu-ray Combo, and DVD release on 12/2, with the digital release set for 11/11. Extras on both Blu-ray versions will include audio commentary by director Matt Reeves, deleted scenes with optional commentary by Reeves, 8 documentary featurettes (Journey to Dawn, Andy Serkis: Rediscovering Caesar, Humans and Apes: The Cast of Dawn, The World of Dawn, The Ape Community, Move Like an Ape: An Artist’s Medium, Weta and Dawn, and The Fight for a New Dawn), plus 4 photo galleries. Of course, there will also be a Planet of the Apes: Ceasar’s Warrior Collection that includes Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and the previous Rise of the Planet of the Apes. You can see the cover artwork below.

Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Classics has set Woody Allen’s Magic in the Moonlight for Blu-ray and DVD release on 12/16. The film stars Colin Firth and Eileen Atkins. Extras will include the Behind the Magic featurette and On the Red Carpet: Los Angeles Film Premiere video.

Sony has also set the football films When the Game Stands Tall on Blu-ray and DVD on 12/9.

Time Life and StarVista Entertainment have announced that they’re going to release The Wonder Years: Season One on DVD on 10/7, thus splitting the existing (and now available for $249.95) Complete Series box into individual seasons for a more affordable purchase (just $19.95).

By the way, a quick update on Anchor Bay and Weinstein’s Begin Again, which we announced yesterday is coming on 10/28. The disc will include The Making of Begin Again featurette and music videos (including Adam Levine’s Lost Stars).

In other news, it’s been brought to our attention that there’s an audio sync issue on Anchor Bay and Scream Factory’s new Halloween: The Complete Collection box set, which affects Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Here’s their official statement: “Anchor Bay and Scream Factory are digging deeper into the audio-sync issue of H4. Please stay tuned and we’ll update you with any news as soon as we can…” We have no doubt that they will.

For those of you eagerly awaiting the Blu-ray release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars – The Lost Missions (coming soon from Disney), a retail source sent over a sneak peek at the cover artwork. You’ll find that below.

And finally today, Netflix has announced that it’s going to begin production on its first original feature film – a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Set to be released in IMAX and 2015, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II: The Green Legend will also be available at the same time on Netflix for streaming customers. Star Michele Yeoh will return for the sequel. More here at Home Media.

Now… before we go… this is the final day of September. That means Jahnke’s annual Hell Plaza Oktoberfest begins tomorrow here at The Bits! Each weekday for the entire month of October, Adam will review a new horror or Halloween-related Blu-ray or DVD here at the site. It’s going to be a lot of fun, so be sure to check back in the morning.

We’ll leave you with some of that cover artwork we promised (along with Amazon links if available)…

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to like TheDigitalBits.com page on Facebook for great Blu-ray, DVD and film discussion with other readers and for live updates on your mobile device when new content is posted here!]

In release news, Lionsgate has officially announced the Blu-ray, DVD and digital release of Mad Men: The Final Season – Part 1 on 10/21 (SRP $39.97 and $39.98 each for the disc versions). Extras will include audio commentaries for each episode with Matthew Weiner and select members of the cast and crew, 4 featurettes (The Trial of the Chicago Eight: Part One, The Trial of the Chicago Eight: Part Two, Gay Rights, and Gay Power), and as a Blu-ray-exclusive offerings, the Technology: 1969 interactive timeline.

Also, Warner Home Video has officially announced their Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection box set for release on Blu-ray on 12/2 (SRP $199.99). The list of Kubrick films included in the set are: Lolita (1962), Dr. Strangelove (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971), Barry Lyndon (1975), The Shining (1980), Full Metal Jacket (1987), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). The set will also include the all-new Kubrick Remembered documentary, which is an intimate look at the director's private life featuring Christiane Kubrick, who “invited and provided the studio full access to Kubrick’s home, film props, personal cameras, film equipment, production facilities and personal insight.” The set includes two more documentaries that have been released previously but are brand new to Blu-ray, including Stanley Kubrick in Focus and Once Upon a Time... A Clockwork Orange. The set also adds two further documentaries that are well known to fans, including Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures, and O’ Lucky Malcolm! Finally, the box offers a new 78-page hardcover photo book created using film archive photographs. You can see what the set’s contents look like below.

Meanwhile, Amazon seems to have ended its war against Disney over new product promotion, as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is finally up for pre-order again on Blu-ray 3D Combo, Blu-ray Combo, and DVD (click the links to see the pre-order page for each). Amazon has the BD3D Combo listed for $27.99. Retailers still tell us that it’s likely to be a December title. We’ll post an update as soon as Disney makes an official announcement.

In other release news today, BBC Home Entertainment is releasing Miss Marple on Blu-ray for the first time starting with its Miss Marple: Volume One set, which will include Murder at the Vicarage, The Body in the Library, The Moving Finger, and A Murder is Announced, all newly-remastered in HD. SRP is $44.98. The set will also be released on DVD for $39.98.

And Cinedigm has set Annie Oakley: The Complete Series for DVD release on 10/21, including all 81 classic 1950s episodes (SRP $99.99). Extras will include a new 2014 documentary about star Gail Davis, 7 photo galleries (including 100s of photos from Davis’ personal collection), the original TV pilot starring Billy Gray as Tagg, and an 8-page episode guide booklet.

Here’s a look at the cover artwork for Annie Oakley: The Complete Series, Mad Men: The Final Season – Part 1, and temp art for Guardians of the Galaxy (TBA), as well as the open contents of the Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection box…

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to like TheDigitalBits.com page on Facebook for great Blu-ray, DVD and film discussion with other readers and for live updates on your mobile device when new content is posted here!]

In announcement news today... and we’ve been waiting for this one... Eagle Rock Entertainment has announced the Blu-ray, DVD and digital release of Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down Five to Go on 11/11 (SRP $24.98 and $19.98 for the discs). This is of course an HD presentation of one of their last-ever performances, recorded live at The O2 arena in London on 7/20. Extras will include behind-the-scenes Sneak Peek featurettes including (The Reunion – November 2013, The Announcement – November 2013, The Production – November 2013 to July 2014, Backstage at The O2 – July 2014, and Highlights from the 10 Shows at London’s O2 Arena – July 2014), plus exclusive footage of the Pythons as Pepperpots and Gumbys. Should be pretty fun.

Also today, Showtime and CBS have announced that Penny Dreadful: The Complete First Season will arrive on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/14 (SRP $48.99 and $42.99). Extras will include a number of behind-the-scenes featurettes, including (What is a Penny Dreadful?, Literary Roots, Coming Together, The Artisans Pt. 1, The Artisans Pt. 2, The Grand Guignol, Prostitution and Sex in Victorian Times, British Exploration & The Search for the Nile, and The Science of Medicine), plus the first two episodes of Ray Donovan: Season One as a cross-promote.

As you can see, we also posted the cover artwork for Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down Five to Go, Penny Dreadful: Season One and the My Fair Lady: 50th Anniversary Edition. Note that the new My Fair Lady BD isn’t available for pre-order yet on Amazon, but we’ll add it ASAP.

That’s all for now. Check back tomorrow for new columns from Michael Coate and more. Stay tuned…

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to like TheDigitalBits.com page on Facebook for great Blu-ray, DVD and film discussion with other readers and for live updates on your mobile device when new content is posted here!]

One quick note: I know that I promised you an update on the future of Star Trek TV series on Blu-ray. I’ll have it for you here tomorrow instead. My apologies, but in the wake of my Blu-ray 4K column from yesterday, I’ve had a flurry of calls and e-mails to respond to today. I’ll make sure my Trek comments are in an early post, so it should be here when you check The Bits first thing in the morning.

Now then… in announcement news today, Raro Video has set Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist for Blu-ray release on 11/25 (SRP $29.95), mastered from a new HD transfer. That should be pretty good.

Kino Video, meanwhile, has set Robert Wiene’s 1920 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari for Blu-ray release here in the States on 11/18 (SRP $29.95), also remastered via a new 4K scan of the camera negative. Extras will include a booklet essay by Kristin Thompson, the 27-minute Caligari: How Horror Came to the Cinema documentary, a new music score by Paul D. Miller (aka DJ Spooky), an image gallery, and a restoration demonstration.

Kino is also releasing The Bubble 3D on Blu-ray 3D Combo on 11/18. The 1966 film was produced using the “Space-Vision 3D” system. And they have The Dirt Bike Kid coming on Blu that same day. Yes, the Peter Billingsley film.

Finally, we’ve also learned today that Studio Canal (and thus Lionsgate here in the States) is planning to release further seasons of the classic TV The Avengers on Blu-ray. As you know, Season Five streets on the format on 11/11. Thanks to Bits reader Tim H. for the heads-up.

Here’s a look at the Blu-ray cover artwork for The Conformist, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, The Bubble 3D, along with Scream’s Lord of Illusions (due due 12/16), and the two new Cinerama titles from Flicker Alley (due 11/11). All are now available for pre-order on Amazon by clicking on the covers…

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to like TheDigitalBits.com page on Facebook for great Blu-ray, DVD and film discussion with other readers and for live updates on your mobile device when new content is posted here!]

Also, Shout! Factory has announced the extras that you’ll find on their upcoming Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Complete Series Blu-ray set that’s due in stores on 10/21. In addition to all 45 episodes restored from the original film negatives, you’ll get over 4 hours of new interviews and behind-the-scenes footage contained in a series of 10 newly-produced featurettes. These will include: Building the Playhouse, Opening the Playhouse, Writing for the Playhouse, The Look of the Playhouse, Music of the Playhouse, The Cast of the Playhouse, Puppets of the Playhouse, Animating the Playhouse, A Very Merry Christmas Special, and Fans and Memorabilia of the Playhouse. Among those interviewed for the set are actors Laurence Fishburne (Cowboy Curtis), S. Epatha Merkerson (Reba the mail lady), Lynne Marie Stewart (Miss Yvonne), and John Paragon (Jambi the genie), composers Mark Mothersbaugh and Danny Elfman, production designers Gary Panter, Wayne White, and Ric Heitzman, animation supervisor Prudence Fenton (Liquid Television), animators Peter Lord and David Sproxton (Wallace & Gromit), make-up artist Ve Neill, two of the show's writers, and additional cast and crew members. Here’s a look at the open box (you can pre-order it on Amazon by clicking on the image)…

Here’s a look at the cover artwork and Amazon pre-order links for Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Seven, The Purge: Anarchy (due 10/21), and Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Blu-ray 3D (due next Tuesday and finally up for pre-order on Amazon)…

Well… we had a server issue here at The Bits yesterday afternoon that took down the site for most of the day. No worries though: Mr. Scott and the boys down in Engineering got the bugs worked out quickly and all is now well. But it means today’s post is going to be brief. [Read on here…]

In announcement news today, Universal is re-releasing many of its best catalog titles in new limited edition “minimalist” packaging on 11/4, but there’s no new content. Among the titles are An American Werewolf in London, The Big Lebowski, The Blues Brothers, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, Psycho, Scarface, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shaun of the Dead, and others.

And just a quick heads-up: A few readers have asked if the new BD single version of The King & I from Fox is a new master or the same one that was in last year’s Rogers and Hammerstein BD box set and the answer is that it is the same disc. Plan accordingly.

Finally today, we’d be remiss if we didn’t close by acknowledging the death yesterday of comedian and actor Robin Williams. He was just 63. Details are still emerging, but apparently Williams took his own life after a long struggle with depression. This is one of those deaths that was really unexpected and seems to have touched a lot of people very deeply. There just aren’t really the right words to convey how we all feel about this here at The Bits. Fortunately, our friend (and special edition producer) Charles de Lauzirika posted this image from Dead Poets Society on his Facebook page. We’ve decided to repost it here and close with it today, because really it says it all…

In announcement news today, 20th Century Fox has announced It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Complete Season Nine for DVD release on 9/2, followed by Sleepy Hollow: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray and DVD on 9/16. Sleepy Hollow will include 6 featurettes (Welcome to Sleepy Hollow, Mysteries and Mythology, The Corbin Case Files, Welcome to the 21st Century, Mr. Crane, The Horseman, and The Horseman’s Head), audio commentary with the cast and crew on the Pilot, The Indispensable Man, and Bad Blood, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has set For No Good Reason for Blu-ray Combo and digital release on 9/2. Sony has also set Mom’s Night Out for Blu-ray, DVD and digital release that same day.

Warner Home Video has set Mortal Kombat: Legacy II for Blu-ray and DVD release on 10/14, including 10 episodes (SRP $19.98 and $12.97).

Lionsgate will release the animated Jungle Master on DVD and digital on 9/16.

Also on the animated front, Cartoon Network will release Adventure Time: Princess Day on DVD on 7/29, two days before its network debut.

Also today, Russell Hammond has the weekly Release Dates & Artwork update now online, complete with all the latest Blu-ray and DVD cover artwork and Amazon.com pre-order links. Buying virtually anything from Amazon after clicking to them through our links helps to support The Bits and our appreciation for that support is no small thing.

Meanwhile, the BIG news today is that Universal has announced the Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/14. The set will include eight films from Spielberg, including four available for the first time ever on Blu-ray and “digitally-remastered from their original elements.” New titles include Duel, 1941 (both the theatrical and extended cuts), Always, and The Sugarland Express. You’ll also get Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. From the press release: “Hours of bonus features include Making-of Documentaries, Interviews with Steven Spielberg, Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes, Rare Archival Footage, Deleted Scenes and much more.” You can see the cover artwork here and it’s now available for pre-order on Amazon by clicking on the art...

Nice! We’re super excited to finally have access to 1941 on Blu-ray. Very good news indeed.

Also, Scream Factory has set their Nightbreed: Director’s Cut for release on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/28. There will be TWO versions: A 3-disc Blu-ray Limited Edition (SRP $79.97 – just 5,000 copies) and a 2-disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo (SRP $29.93). Details on the extras are still TBA, but the 3-disc set will include the Unrated Director’s Cut on BD, the 1990 R-Rated Theatrical Cut on BD, and a third BD disc of all new extras. It will also include a collector’s book and a special slipcase with artwork designed by director Clive Barker. They can be pre-ordered now (here and here) on the Shout! Factory website. They’ll be up on Amazon soon as well.

Also today, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has just set Homeland: The Complete Third Season for Blu-ray and DVD on 9/9, which an earlier digital release on 8/19. Extras will include 2 featurettes (Homeland: Season Three - The Tower of David – Filming in Puerto Rico and The Last Days: Filming the Season Finale), audio commentary on the season finale, and delete scenes. You can see the cover artwork below.

Finally, Entertainment One has set Hell on Wheels: The Complete Third Season for Blu-ray and DVD release on 7/15 (SRP $49.98 and $39.98).